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November 2007 Bond Overview: Question 3

Question 3—the higher education bond—includes $15.5 million for the community colleges, which will enable all seven of the colleges to undertake much needed capital repairs and improvements. Most of the projects are focused on retrofitting and/or renovating existing buildings, laboratories, and classrooms to make better, more efficient use of existing facilities and to address health and safety concerns.

In all, the Maine Bureau of General Services has identified some $75 million in needed and desirable repairs and upgrades to MCCS facilities. The $15.5 million will help to begin to address those needs.

Maine's community colleges have grown by nearly 4,300 students in the past five years. This dramatic growth has severely taxed the colleges' facilities. The need exists across the System to renovate buildings and reconfigure classroom and laboratory spaces to make them more efficient. In addition, the dramatic growth of the System has caused resources to be stretched thin, and the colleges have been unable to fund necessary capital improvements. The result: significant deferred maintenance and capital improvement needs across the system.

Question 3

On November 6, voters will be asked to vote on the following question:

“Do you favor a $43.5 million bond issue for interior and exterior building renovations, improvements and additions at all campuses of the Maine Community College System, the Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Maine System; to replenish the School Revolving Renovation Fund for school repairs and renovations; and to support capital improvements for cultural and education assets such as museums, historical facilities and libraries?”

How the Funds Will Be Allocated

The funds from Question 3 will be distributed as follows:

  • $23 million to University of Maine System
  • $15.5 million to Maine Community College System
  • $1.5 million to Maine Maritime Academy
  • $1.5 million to Department of Education for K-12 school improvements
  • $2 million to Maine State Cultural Affairs Council

More information on how the bond funds will be used at Maine's seven community colleges.